Ultrasound Scanning

I offer a competitively priced Ultrasound scanning service to determine pregnancy in bitches.  This service can be offered in your own home if you prefer. *

* Mobile service for Ultrasound Scanning is dependent on locality and subject to additional cost for travel. Please enquire for details.

Ultrasound is a reliable way to determine if a bitch is pregnant and therefore can help breeders prepare for the oncoming litter.

The number of pups can never be guaranteed as interpreting the scan imagery can be difficult if the pups are lying on top of one another.  There is also a possibility that embryos can be re-absorbed quite late into the pregnancy.

The Science bit...

In the dog, pregnancy does not necessarily begin on the day of mating.

During the canine reproductive cycle, oestrogen will peak followed by the peak of the luteinising hormone (LH) 1 to 3 days later.  Ovulation occurs 1 to 3 days after the LH peak.

  The dog is in oestrus or 'heat' starting at the LH peak although this can be several days before or after.  Oestrus lasts 5 to 9 days during which time, breeding may occur on multiple days.  The male sperm remain fertile for 4 to 6 days.

All of these variables result in an uncertain conception date, and thus the apparent gestation length can vary from 56 to 72 days when counting after the breeding date.  The average canine gestation length is approximately 65 days.

Ultrasound is a very sensitive and specific imaging method to diagnose pregnancy if it is performed at least 30 days after last mate.  Pregnancy can be determined at 23 to 25 days post mating but as the actual ovulation date is unknown, it is best to wait 30 days from last mate.